How to get rid of small rusting on my bike?

[Brian]

My bike had 2 previous owners. One of them must have left the bike outside and some small parts are showing rust spots. Is there a product I can use to clear out the rust? I think there was one but I completely forgot the name.

Here's pics. Some of the nuts and on the front shock.

[ForceofWill]

http://www.corrosionx.com/rust-remover.html

/thread

We use corrosion x in the Navy. You can have the nastiest rusty corroded part and leave it in this stuff and it'll be new. Its magic.

[Brian]

Originally Posted by ForceofWill

http://www.corrosionx.com/rust-remover.html

/thread

We use corrosion x in the Navy. You can have the nastiest rusty corroded part and leave it in this stuff and it'll be new. Its magic.

Wow that stuff looks awesome. Gonna pick some up, thanks!

[csmith12]

Interesting, I learned about something new today.

[flitecontrol]

The Works toilet bowl cleaner cleans up light rust quickly. A quart costs around $1.50 at Walmart. For small spots I put some on a Q-tip and apply it. Just replaced the fork oil in a Rebel and the chrome forks had quite a bit of rust on them from the clamps. Soaked a cotton ball in The Works and after a few minutes scrubbing, the rust was gone. Be sure to rinse the area well when done.

[IF13]

I thought WD40 treats surface rust?

[Whiskey]

Alu foil, ball a bit up & run it under the tap then rub it on the rust.

Aluminium is harder than rust but softer than steel, & when it's wet it'll oxidise robbing the O- ion from the rust turning it back to iron.

Not ideal for what you're looking to do but may be handy for someone searching.

[Ducati999]

I also use a dremmel with small polishing tips. You can put any type of polish/rust remover on the fabric polishing tips. I have found that it works great with Mothers and it will leave a near mirror shine if you do it enough

[Brian]

Thanks for the replies guys. I will try to find this corrosion X stuff or order some online if I can't find it or grab another rust remover at my local hardware / true value store.

[Bob2010]

Only works with Q-tips and they are expensive ......

[choneofakind]

Originally Posted by ForceofWill

http://www.corrosionx.com/rust-remover.html

/thread

We use corrosion x in the Navy. You can have the nastiest rusty corroded part and leave it in this stuff and it'll be new. Its magic.

Because I know someone will ask at come point and I'm also curious: is this stuff safe for your chain? Seems like it would be pretty gnarly on your orings.

[Brian]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

Because I know someone will ask at come point and I'm also curious: is this stuff safe for your chain? Seems like it would be pretty gnarly on your orings.

This website said it will work on a bicycle chain but I'm skeptical to know if it would be alright for a fast moving motor chain. I say just stay with a product that is solely designed just for your chain to avoid damage and such. It's a very touchy place and unless you know for sure that it's safe and will lubricate it properly then it definitely shouldn't be used on our bikes.

Does anyone know for sure though?

[dcj13]

Originally Posted by ForceofWill

We use corrosion x in the Navy.

What? You don't use naval jelly?

[ForceofWill]

The corrosion x we use normally makes rubber swell, I wouldn't use it on anything but metal.

[Twisthem488]

If its a bolt you can remove and let soak for a day or two, just put it in a jar of vinegar. Remember to protect it from rusting again after cleaning it up.

[Brian]

Originally Posted by Twisthem488

If its a bolt you can remove and let soak for a day or two, just put it in a jar of vinegar. Remember to protect it from rusting again after cleaning it up.

Good to know. What do you put on to prevent it from rusting? the corrosion X would work but is there some sort of rust-proof wax or something? I think it's more of a cosmetic thing for me than a problem, but I definitely don't want the bike rusting. Once it's a ...liiiiiitttlleee warmer I'll pop my head out of my house and start preparing the bike

[lgk]

After you get rid of the rust use boeshield.

Its like a wax that soaks into the metal.

[choneofakind]

Originally Posted by Brian

This website said it will work on a bicycle chain but I'm skeptical to know if it would be alright for a fast moving motor chain. I say just stay with a product that is solely designed just for your chain to avoid damage and such. It's a very touchy place and unless you know for sure that it's safe and will lubricate it properly then it definitely shouldn't be used on our bikes.

Does anyone know for sure though?

Forceofwill already answered my question about the o-rings.

To be clear I wasn't asking for a chain lube, I was asking about a solvent that could clean/de-grease/de-rust the chain (hence asking that question in this thread, not a chain lube thread). Clean with solvent, rinse generously with water, dry thoroughly with air compressor, lube with chain lube.

Thanks for giving me advice on how to pick a chain lube though.

[Brian]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

Forceofwill already answered my question about the o-rings.

To be clear I wasn't asking for a chain lube, I was asking about a solvent that could clean/de-grease/de-rust the chain (hence asking that question in this thread, not a chain lube thread). Clean with solvent, rinse generously with water, dry thoroughly with air compressor, lube with chain lube.

Thanks for giving me advice on how to pick a chain lube though.

How did he answer your question if he never posted after you? I'm the first one to quote you an answer, unless he PM'd you, lol I would expect a chain lube to also clean, protect, and prevent rust from occuring. A lube that only greases the chain would be a pretty lame product.

One of your questions: "is this stuff safe for your chain". Probably not as it's not labeled a chain lube but more of a rust inhibitor and fighter, but it does say on the website "It is also among the best – if not the best – lubricating and penetrating oils on the market at any price." wasn't your question about this Corrosion X stuff?

It's kind of like buying separate shampoo and conditioner now a days instead of getting the 2 in 1.

[choneofakind]

oh boy...

Originally Posted by Brian

How did he answer your question if he never posted after you? I'm the first one to quote you an answer, unless he PM'd you, lol I would expect a chain lube to also clean, protect, and prevent rust from occuring. A lube that only greases the chain would be a pretty lame product.

ummm he did post after me, but before I logged back on... and unlike some people, I read the whole thread before responding. Your answer wasn't an answer to the question I asked. I was asking if it's safe on the O-rings. You answered with how to pick a chain lube; not what was asked.

Tom answered my question completely with this:

Originally Posted by ForceofWill

The corrosion x we use normally makes rubber swell, I wouldn't use it on anything but metal.

(thanks tom )

Brian.
1) in general, you realize that lube/grease also prevents surface rust right? In addition to reducing friction, it covers metal and prevents oxidation (rust) because there's no air contact. That's why when you buy metal stock, there's always a thin layer of oil all over it. Just like when you buy a new moto-chain, it's covered in waxy grease and vacuum sealed so it doesn't oxidize on the shelf.
2) LUBE does not clean. LUBE only lubricates. Solvents clean off fun things like road grime and old lube and general gunk. Generally speaking; solvents clean, lubes lube and prevent rust from starting.

Originally Posted by Brian

One of your questions: "is this stuff safe for your chain". Probably not as it's not labeled a chain lube but more of a rust inhibitor and fighter, but it does say on the website "It is also among the best – if not the best – lubricating and penetrating oils on the market at any price." wasn't your question about this Corrosion X stuff?

Read one sentence further.

Originally Posted by choneofakind

Seems like it would be pretty gnarly on your orings.

I was asking if it was safe to use as a solvent on the chain because I don't want to destroy the o-rings but I want to clean up gunk and remove rust at the same time, not because I want to use it as a lubricant. Read through my steps for chain cleaning again and you'll see that I'm looking for a good solvent that's safe for the O-rings. hint: solvent, rinse, dry, lube.

Originally Posted by Brian

It's kind of like buying separate shampoo and conditioner now a days instead of getting the 2 in 1.

I've used products that claim to be good at cleaning and lubricating. I find those to be fine at just lubricating, not so much with the cleaning. All they really do for cleaning is make the whole thing really dirty and over-lube it, which then throws lube all over my bike. Using Kerosene to clean then chain lube to lubricate is the best method I've found so far. I was just looking to replace the Kerosene with something that also did a better job of removing occasional surface rust.

Now that we've gone off topic and confused Brian, back to the regularly scheduled programming.

[Brian]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

oh boy...



ummm he did post after me, but before I logged back on... and unlike some people, I read the whole thread before responding. Your answer wasn't an answer to the question I asked. I was asking if it's safe on the O-rings. You answered with how to pick a chain lube; not what was asked.

Tom answered my question completely with this:

(thanks tom )

Brian.
1) in general, you realize that lube/grease also prevents surface rust right? In addition to reducing friction, it covers metal and prevents oxidation (rust) because there's no air contact. That's why when you buy metal stock, there's always a thin layer of oil all over it. Just like when you buy a new moto-chain, it's covered in waxy grease and vacuum sealed so it doesn't oxidize on the shelf.
2) LUBE does not clean. LUBE only lubricates. Solvents clean off fun things like road grime and old lube and general gunk. Generally speaking; solvents clean, lubes lube and prevent rust from starting.



Read one sentence further.


I was asking if it was safe to use as a solvent on the chain because I don't want to destroy the o-rings but I want to clean up gunk and remove rust at the same time, not because I want to use it as a lubricant. Read through my steps for chain cleaning again and you'll see that I'm looking for a good solvent that's safe for the O-rings. hint: solvent, rinse, dry, lube.



I've used products that claim to be good at cleaning and lubricating. I find those to be fine at just lubricating, not so much with the cleaning. All they really do for cleaning is make the whole thing really dirty and over-lube it, which then throws lube all over my bike. Using Kerosene to clean then chain lube to lubricate is the best method I've found so far. I was just looking to replace the Kerosene with something that also did a better job of removing occasional surface rust.

Now that we've gone off topic and confused Brian, back to the regularly scheduled programming.

Thanks for the breakdown. Still so confused though

I longboard and for our bearings we need a high speed lube that will prevent corrosion and keep the lube conditionally spinning inside the bearing. They have all different cleaners /2 in ones. Just trying to pass on my knowledge but I guess I didn't know what I was referring too.

edit: nvm, he did mention about o-rings swelling.

[ForceofWill]

I didn't quote Chris but I was specifically responding to his question about the rings lol. The regular Corrosion X is a great lube/protector for metal parts but based on what we've seen with it I wouldn't use it on rubber.

For the same reason I wouldn't use the rust remover version on the chain.

[Brian]

Originally Posted by ForceofWill

I didn't quote Chris but I was specifically responding to his question about the rings lol. The regular Corrosion X is a great lube/protector for metal parts but based on what we've seen with it I wouldn't use it on rubber.

For the same reason I wouldn't use the rust remover version on the chain.

Ah, gotcha.

[choneofakind]

It's all good.